Around about this time last year, ‘apathy’ was the watchword for our supporters both on social media and in the pubs and clubs of Tyneside; if it was apathy then I dread to think of what the collective term is for how we all feel about the club right now. The board, management, players and even club icons like Beardsley and Moncur are active culprits in what is the tragedy of Newcastle United in 2015. Last week against Everton was by no means our worst of recent times, but what was striking was the lack of commitment and pride shown by certain players.

Some will harbour bitter feelings towards the likes of Yohan Cabaye for jumping ship to seek trophies and the big stage, I think some of this ire is misdirected.

As depressing as it sounds I’d sooner have players at United who see us as a stepping stone to The Champions League than the ones we have at the moment who look happy to remain in their comfort zone and effectively down tools once they feel survival has been gained.

It’s a fair point to say this is a symptom of Ashley’s running of the club, but I expect better from professional sportsmen. What Coloccini did on Sunday was a disgrace, yet it was so predictable; I even read a tweet midway through the game anticipating it would happen. A 2 week trip back to Argentina beckons, it amazes me how much power our captain wields at the club; particularly when Nolan and Barton were dispensed of over the same issue.

In regards to the match this coming Saturday, the makeshift defence we all anticipated back in January will be on show up against one of the most potent attacks in the country. It is expected that Janmaat will be played as an emergency centre half and that one of Anita, Jonas or Colback will be shoehorned into a full back position. If Arsenal come at us like a wounded animal after their narrow Champions League exit, I worry that this could be one of the most embarrassing scorelines of the clubs history especially when twinned with the negativity that will plague the terraces.

Riviere was hauled off last week after another disappointing showing, it would be tough to justify another starting role for him in this game especially when Ayoze and Armstrong are on the bench. If anything it might be worth Carver sticking the young lads upfront as a ploy to get the supporters fully behind the team, although I doubt he has the capability to be so Machiavellian.

Cabella may be given a start purely due to the lack of numbers, although to be fair to him he showed some promising touches against Everton; albeit when the game was already gone.

Newcastle 0 Arsenal 1 – December 2013 – A hard fought win for Arsenal in a game when we should have perhaps went for it a little bit more. A header from a set piece was nodded in by Giroud and we never really looked like scoring after that.

Newcastle 4 Arsenal 4 – February 2011 – An important performance from Newcastle in the context of the season given its close proximity to the Andy Carroll sale, the team showed its backbone and was inspired by the midfield quartet of Barton, Tiote, Nolan and Jonas who all played a blinder in the second half as we overturned the 4 goal deficit at the break.

RYAN BELL

You can subscribe to true faith – one of the biggest club fanzines in the world. With over
100-pages of digital fanzine delivered to your in-box every month for an annual cost of only £17.99, we give detailed and original coverage of Newcastle United, football in general, from NE non-league to Brazil, Spain, Italy, Germany .. you name it.

Or you could sign up for a mere £.5.99 each quarter on a recurring basis if that suits you better.

The small profit we make from the charge on the digital fanzine pays for everything here and will help us invest in more and improved coverage going forward.

Related Posts

But apathy doesnt seem to be being transformed into lower attendances as there will no doubt be 50,000 in attendance there on Saturday. AshleyS plan is working perfectly, fans will turn up no matter what, a modest level of spending allows us to be a comfortable midtable team with all the dross thats at the bottom and not to do enough to trouble the European spots or have a cup run. Collect large amounts of TV money for another season in the PL. Perfect. If people are happy to take part in this plan and going by the attendances and lack of protests it seems tey are are then nothing will change.

‘Fans’ won’t turn up – one match wonders will and they’ll snap away at whatever dross is served up on the pitch. I’ve been particularly mean in recent weeks so my punishment is to see out the remaining home games (catching up with the many friends I’ve made over decades is the only treat) and that’s it – no more

Alex I don’t think the players are deliberately not competing it’s just the ability of those at the club means they can only compete up to a certain level which is nowhere near the level we will see Arsenal at. Each season the general level at the club is dropping so sooner or later we will be relegated. It is just potluck if the players he brings in are good enough to keep us up. Year by year existence no development, no planning just fingers crossed.

Been racking my brain trying to think of something positive ahead of the game against Arsenal & without appearing to be smug or sarcastic, at least when it’s over, we only have 8 more matches to play this season. That’s about as positive I can get.

Keyword in the above is backbone we had it in the 4-4 game we had at least two leaders in that midfield quartet on that day. When he first arrived as a player Kevin Keegan said we needed 11 captains on the pitch. Looking at this lot I am hard pushed to find one. Ashleys no expense spent, no ambition, make do and mend go through the motions and just do enough to get by ethos has seeped down through the club from the boardroom to the dressing room and it’s sickening. In the next fans forum I would like Charnley to specify in detail just how this squad is better than the one Pardew took over essentially the 4-4 squad without Carroll. I bet that he can’t!

Fear not – the Guardian today reports that a WAR CHEST will be available in the summer. It also quotes “JC” as saying he’s had a “good chat” with Brian Kidd at Man City about Ayoze Perez. Not sure where that sort of thing fits in with his job description. I’m sure it’s all for the best.

You say Beardsley and Moncur are active culprits but so are the fans. By continuing to turn up it is an endorsment of the running of the club and what it currently stands for. A lot of people, including contributors to this fanzine have vocalised that they don’t see how a boycott would help. Well continuing to turn up is solving nothing. People are staying away (myself included) and although i would rather be there supporting a well run club, at least i know i do not endorse this shambles with my hard earned money. Everyone is entitled to attend if they wish but it is impossible not to be supporting Mike Ashley if you buy tickets.

Tonight on Top Gear. Bobby Ball checks the pressure on a Sportsdirect truck. Roy Walker takes a Datsun with one months MOT for a spin round our track, and the shows future is entrusted to some random bloke who used to make the tea.

You can make arguments for and against a boycott, although I’m not sure that it would ever work, when has it ever worked anywhere else? More and more regulars are staying away but the club just continues to freeze the ticket prices and replace hardcore fans with casual fans. Anyway, it makes no difference to the Ashley’s huge wedge of Sky money, we’re not incentivised on attendances.

What you can’t argue with though, is the fact that both Beardsley and Moncur are talked up as ‘club legends’ yet continue to be apologists for the current regime…

To be honest, I’m past caring, im only going because….. Well I don’t know really. Could be my last game, not sure to be honest. I’ve had all the Michael extracted that I have. One thing is sure, Ashley has had my last pound he going to get, two season tickets not being renewed. One had for 20+ years.

tf132 latest FREE issue

NUFC foodbanks

Gallowgate Flags

Stay Free Records Newcastle

Northern Threads

Online Merchandising Operation

Northern Threads Discount

tf badges

Classic Football Shirts

Phoenix Taxis – true faith sponsor

The Sir Bobby Robson Foundation

Newcastle United Supporters Trust

Sign up for your free matchday newsletter

* indicates required

Email Address *

First Name

Last Name

Homage to Murcia

Long standing true faith writer, Tony Higgins who regular readers will recognise from his Real Spain articles has his first book out now. Travel with Tony through the undergrowth of Spanish football and life for only £4:99. Only in digital format. Get it on Amazon here.

JOIN THE FSF

Supporters Direct

FREE back issues

tf on twitter

tf Video Blog

The true faith video blog is our straight to camera opportunity for those who pay to watch Newcastle United at home and away give their opinions on all areas of the club both on and off the pitch. Our intention is for the Video Blogs to entertain, inform and amuse you. Doubtless you will agree and disagree from time to time. The Video Blog is open to any match going supporter and if you and your mates would like to be guests just get in touch and we'll make appropriate arrangements.

tf on Facebook

The true faith Facebook pages are the open forum for readers to have a bit crack, exchange opinions, news, thoughts on Newcastle United, football in general and whatever else might take their fancy.
It's a closed site so you have to apply to join. We want it to be a lively place for debate but there certain guidelines we expect everyone to follow. Basically this involves not being a twat. Our definition of a twat is variously racists, sexists, homophobes, bullies, bigots, smartarses and those who want to punt anything to readers without our permission.

tf weekly podcast

The true faith Podcast is usually released on a weekly basis and hosted by Alex Hurst and a standing cast of contributors. From time to time there will be guests and special features. It is also linked into the show true faith produces in partnership with Radio Northumberland. If you would like to appear as a guest on the true faith Podcast just get in touch and we'll make the arrangements.